MSU Texas responds to poster marked with racially charged vandalism

Midwestern State University President Dr. Suzanne Shipley on Friday admonished vandalism found on a poster announcing a class on Africana philosophy, saying there was "no place at MSU Texas" for such hatefulness.

"Dear members of the Midwestern State community," Shipley stated in an email sent to university email addresses, "(y)esterday, a poster announcing a class on Africana philosophy was discovered to have been vandalized on our campus. I am writing to emphasize that racial slurs, hate speech, and acts of bigotry such as were witnessed in this act have no place at MSU Texas."

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Midwestern State University President Dr. Suzanne Shipley(Photo: CHRISTOPHER WALKER/TIMES RECORD NEWS, )

Shipley noted that the vandalism came as a nation mourned the loss of Americans killed at a Pittsburgh synagogue and at a Kroger in Kentucky.

"The hatred driving this past week’s violent attack at the Jewish synagogue, the murder of African-American citizens in Kentucky, and the mailing of pipe bombs to political figures and news media outlets are not reflective of our American values," Shipley stated. "They weaken the bedrock of our democracy and call into question our shared commitment to equality."

The quick response earned kudos from faculty, including Dr. Nathan Jun, associate professor and coordinator of the Philosophy Program.

"I’m very proud of the university for responding in such a prompt and positive manner," Jun, who teaches the course promoted by the vandalized poster, told the Times Record News. "I just wanted to make sure other people knew they did so. It is a feather in MSU’s cap for sure."

The MSU Counseling Center will be available for those struggling with the impact of the events of the past week, she said. Additional support can be sought through the Office of Equity, Inclusion & Multicultural Affairs.

"As we enter the uniquely American holiday season of Thanksgiving, let us focus our valuable energies on inclusion and respect in this, our vibrantly diverse and multicultural community," Shipley added. "Please join your fellow MSU students, faculty, and staff in supporting actions and discussions that counteract hate, discrimination, and violence."